Conference 2009: Economic crisis

UNICEF is convening the best minds in the region from academia and public service to examine cutting-edge research and best policy practices regarding the impact of the economic and financial crisis on child health and nutrition, education, labor, and family income maintenance. It is hoped that the knowledge created and shared in this conference will assist governments to identify and implement policies that effectively protect children and women from the effects of this crisis.

What:“Impact of the Economic Crisis on Children”

When: 6 - 7 January 2009

The “Asian Social Protection in Comparative Perspective,” conference by the Lee Kuan Yew School will follow from 8-9 January allowing conference participants to benefit from that conference as well.

Venue:National University of Singapore’s Lee Kuan Yew (LKY) School

Why:The global financial crisis is amplifying the effects of the food and fuel price crises, seriously challenging the abilities of families to cope and of children to thrive. At this moment when women and children are most vulnerable, governments are faced with decreasing fiscal capacity. For children, the cost of inaction or inappropriate action is high, including permanently stunted physical and intellectual growth due to adversely affected nutrition, health, and schooling.

Focus & Agenda:

§ Global and regional overview of food price and economic crises and their impact on children

§ Comparative view of impacts and policy responses to the 1997 Asian economic crisis and the 2008 crises - Overview of government responses

§ What is being done and what should be done to ameliorate the fiscal situation? – Presentations by governments

§ Policy responses of best practice policies in health, nutrition, monitoring/surveillance, education, and social safety nets – Presentations by governments

Press Activities:A press briefing open to all interested media will be held on Tuesday, 6 January 2009 at 10:00 a.m.

On hand to speak are key leaders, UNICEF East Asia and Pacific Regional Director and experts examining cutting edge research and good policy practices regarding the impact of the crisis on child health and nutrition, education, labour, and family income maintenance.